Questions & Answers
Q: I thought kindergarten was meant to be a time of social adjustment. Why the increased emphasis on academics?
A: Making a social adjustment to a school environment is an important part of kindergarten and is emphasized during each school day. However, current research indicates that the most important school years for future academic success begin with kindergarten. The in-depth development of concepts and skills in a developmentally appropriate environment provides a successful approach to learning for kindergarten children.
Q: Is there a quiet time provided for my child, if needed?
A: Teachers schedule a quiet time each day for students to rest, listen to music, stories, etc. and take a break from their activities. This time may vary according to student and campus.
Q: Are physical activities provided for kindergarten students?
A: Time is included in students' daily schedule for physical activities and movement. Physical education and recess are also offered for students during their weekly schedule.
Q: Do kindergarten students attend fine arts and PE classes?
A: KISD is very fortunate to have certified music, art and PE teachers at each campus. Kindergarten students benefit from the experience of learning from these fine arts and physical education teachers in their weekly schedule.
Q: Do kindergarten students ride the bus both to and from school if desired? How is bus safety addressed?
A: Kindergarten students ride the bus both to and from school if desired. Bus safety programs such as "Katy the Bus" are provided for kindergarten students. Each campus provides bus safety guidelines for all students.
Q: Do kindergarten students eat in the cafeteria? Can they prepay for lunches?
A: Students eat lunch in the cafeteria. They may eat a hot lunch or they may choose to bring their lunch to school each day. Parents are encouraged to prepay for their student's lunches in order to aid their child in adjusting to cafeteria procedures.
Q: Does the kindergarten curriculum emphasize science and social studies in addition to reading, writing and math?
A: Kindergarten students have science and social studies state essential knowledge and skills that are developmentally appropriate for their learning process. The objectives taught in social studies and science would be "hands-on" learning where students discover and learn about the world around them. The mathematics program is also aligned to the state essential knowledge and skills in mathematics. Students learn math by "doing math", which involves using manipulatives and concrete objects to develop math concepts and skills. The KISD kindergarten curriculum is aligned to a district PK through 12 curriculum in each content area.
Q: Is the KISD kindergarten program developmentally appropriate for children?
A: Research states that "the key to a developmentally appropriate early childhood program is a high quality, full-day kindergarten program". KISD administration, kindergarten teachers, principals, and staff members are dedicated to providing a sound academic curriculum with an age-appropriate approach to learning for all of our kindergarten students.